Cold Laser Therapy - A New Pain Treatment for Cats

It's always great to read about an advancement in veterinary medicine that will help cats live better lives.  One relatively new pain-management technique seeing lots of use is cold laser therapy.  Several BCR cats over the years have benefited from this treatment.

Also called Low-Level Laser, this laser therapy isn't like others that we've all heard of that are commonly used on humans.  Smallanimalclinic.com describes this treatment as using "deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation."  When it's used, inflammation and swelling are reduced, cells get stimulated to give a boost to the healing process, blood circulation increases, and endorphins get released to help relieve pain.  The goal is to help cats feel better faster. 

Feline laser therapy can be used to treat quite a few conditions and is really helpful for senior kitties.  The list, from smallanimalclinic.com, includes:

•     Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
•     Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma
•     Back pain
•     Acute and Chronic Ear Infections
•     Gingivitis and post op dental extractions
•     Ulcerations and open wounds
•     Arthritis
•     Degenerative Joint Disease
•     Neuromuscular disease

Because it is so new, laser therapy requires some additional training for veterinarians and should only be done by one who is licensed to practice.  Before beginning treatment, a vet will do a thorough examination of your cat, which my include blood work and a urinalysis.  As always, it's very helpful if the vet has a comprehensive health history for your cat so that "normal" health markers are already established. That way, anything unusual will be very obvious.

The treatment itself doesn't involve anesthesia, incisions or long stays at the vet and has no known side effects.  In a session, someone will hold the cat to be sure the laser can be applied where it's needed and the vet will use the handheld device on the area for several minutes.  Cats experience a warm sensation and, since endorphins are released during treatment, they may be calmer and more relaxed.  Within 12-24 hours a cat should show improvement and less pain. Depending on the condition being treated, additional sessions may be needed.

Because senior cats are more prone to things like arthritis and other ailments that cause pain and inflammation, cat owners should be on the lookout for signs that something is wrong.  Cats mask pain very well but there are some signs to be aware of.  They include: 

•    Decrease in normal activity
•    Decreased desire to jump up on surfaces it normally jumps onto
•    Slowness to get up
•    May cry or move away from petting
•    Does not want to be picked up and handled as usual
•    Limping
•    Decrease in grooming habits
•    Trembling

It's comforting to know that there is a new way to help our cats deal with chronic pain and discomfort that is not invasive and may even be relaxing for them!

CLICK HERE to read more from smallanimalclinic.com

CLICK HERE for more details on laser therapy from wagwalking.com